Istanbul Airport (formerly Istanbul Ataturk Airport) is set to host more than 100 airline companies and reach more than 300 destinations — a global record.
Built on approximately 76.5 million square metres of land, this will be the world’s largest airport terminal under one roof, with the capacity to serve 90 million passengers during the first phase (which launched October 2018).
The final phase, to be complete by 2023, will have the capacity to serve 200 million passengers.
The advantage of Istanbul’s geographical location puts the new airport at the hub of international air travel from Asia, Europe and the Middle East — in the past decade, flights to Turkey have increased 10% and more than 40 million travellers visited the country in 2018 alone.
READ MORE: 10 reasons to stop over in Istanbul
According to designers, the architectural style of the airport’s terminals reflects the artistic richness of Istanbul’s mosques, baths, domes and many other historic structures and will have smart technology to “dramatically change” the way people navigate the space, reducing stress and enhancing the passenger experience.
For example, biometric screening and advanced passport control will allow passengers to check in more quickly, while beacon and geo-finding technology will provide indoor directions, walking times to the gates, and boarding alerts.
And if you’re the type who loves a quick duty-free shop, take heart — a “magic mirror” application will allow retail customers to virtually see how watches, clothes or make-up products will look without physically trying them on.
Ask our Sure Travel consultants how you can fly to — or through — Istanbul's new airport on your next trip. Visit www.suretravel.co.za or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.
Plus: Turkish Airlines is offering passengers with a transit time of 20 hours or more free accommodation in Istanbul, so you can stopover for free, gratis, mahala.
The offer is valid for all passengers departing from South Africa en route to destinations in Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Economy class passengers receive a free one-night stay at a four-star hotel, while business class passengers are eligible for a two-night stay at a five-star hotel.
Ask your nearest Sure Travel consultant for details and apply for a free visa for Turkey in just five minutes online. Test it out for yourself here.
